Entomobirnaviruses are a group of small, icosahedral, non−enveloped viruses that belong to the family Birnaviridae. They are specifically known for infecting and causing diseases in arthropods, particularly insects. The prefix "entomo" in their name refers to their host range, as it signifies their affinity for insects.
These viruses have a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome that consists of two segments, denoted as A and B. The A segment encodes a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme, while the B segment is responsible for the production of the viral structural proteins. The presence of two distinct genome segments is a characteristic feature of birnaviruses.
Entomobirnaviruses have been identified in various insect hosts, including mosquitoes, flies, and beetles. They exhibit a wide range of pathogenicity, with some species causing severe diseases that can negatively impact agricultural and economic systems. Insects infected with these viruses may experience symptoms such as reduced fecundity, developmental abnormalities, or mortality. The mode of transmission primarily occurs horizontally among insect populations, although vertical transmission (from parent to offspring) has also been reported.
Research on entomobirnaviruses is ongoing to understand their biology, pathogenesis, and potential applications. Some of these viruses have shown promise as potential natural insect control agents, as they can target and selectively infect specific insect pests while being harmless to non-target organisms. Additionally, they offer insights into the evolution and diversity of viral pathogens and their interactions with arthropods.
The word "Entomobirnaviruses" is a combination of three components - "Entomo-", "bi(r)na-", and "-viruses".
1. "Entomo-" is derived from the Greek word "entomon", which means "insect". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terms related to insects or entomology, the study of insects.
2. "Bi(r)na-" refers to the RNA-based viral genome structure called "bipartite" or "bisegmented" RNA. "Bi-" indicates that the genome is divided into two segments, and "rna-" refers to RNA (ribonucleic acid), the genetic material of these viruses.
3. "-viruses" is a suffix used to indicate that the word pertains to viruses.